an indoor day

We've had plenty of ice to deal with this season. Like many of us. Even with a lack of ice storms. Winter temperature swings, have created terrible footing. For horse and human.

Our horses are careful. Looking for the best route. Nose to the ground. Shuffling along at a slow controlled pace. They pause and think. However, I could see the worry on Harmony's face when she wanted to move to a new area. Watching them do the step-n-slide is not my idea of fun. Nor theirs. By Saturday, there was no way to walk around the ice. You had to walk across it, to get to any place a horse would want to go. 

The ground around the hay feeder is clear of ice, but getting there and all approaches to the pastures, waterer, shed are an issue. I can't help but think, if one single thing would spook them...

We opted to keep the herd inside all day, for the first time this season. They got to stretch their legs during room service.

Their indoor turnout debut went something like this:

group wall inspection

(Cierra, Harmony, Nemo and Koda)

See the speaker mounted on the wall above Cierra? Let's just say Brad will be moving it. The horses were really interested in it and anything else they could get their mouth on. Cierra ended up unplugging the speaker. 

Ma, aren't you suppose to be in here with me?

(Koda)

We are suppose to line up, right?

(Koda, Cierra, Harmony and Nemo)



The look of innocence.

Nemo & Cierra telling on Koda, who is playing with the speaker wire. Again.



Any idea why we are in here?

(Cierra and Harmony, who decorated her tail for the occasion)

Pick 'em up & shake 'em all around!

(Cierra & Harmony)

Cones were added, they were fun for a little while. Koda tried putting one on Cierra's back. It was really hard to get photos. Horses don't make very good windows. I learned my 70-200 favorite action lens, was too long. Unless the horses are at the end of the arena.

Where do you think the horses were most of the time? By the front curved wall. Trying to chew on it. Reach over it. Pick up Brad's tools, or the whips, the poles - you name it. One of us had to horse sit the hooligans at all times.

The windows in the back of the arena became an attraction. Wherever one went, the rest followed. Once in a while a horse would bust out a silly move on their way back to the gate. Usually my horse.

Koda, Harmony, Brad, Nemo & Cierra

I just missed capturing the entire herd looking out the window with Brad. It was high sun, and didn't make for a quality one-shot photo. It's the memory that counts anyways. 

just walk beside me, and be my friend

Our first indoor turnout was a learning experience for all of us. We may blow up the equine ball next time they are stuck indoors. It's been a long time since they have played with it, especially without a rider.